Borrowed Breath

…is the man.

We had a chance to see him last night at Lancaster Bible College for a free concert. Not only is this man a gifted singer/songwriter/musician, but he is a great storyteller with a slightly warped sense of humor. I love hearing the stories behind how songs were written. And Andrew tells them well, giving fresh insight into his already powerful lyrics.

He had the Captains Courageous with him, the very talented duo of Andy Gullahorn on guitar and backup vocals and Ben Shive on piano and backup vocals. These guys are all clearly close friends and brothers. And Andrew’s appreciation and love for them was obvious.

Andy was recovering from bronchitus, yet his harmony was spot on. He sang one of his own songs, “Burning Bushes,” and Andrew sang back up vocals. I love the lines, “Walking through a garden of a thousand burning bushes, Lookin’ up to heaven for a sign.” Great song. I think Andy was scheduled to do another piece, but signaled to Andrew that he was finished as he reached for his water bottle.

It was a delightful evening, worth every penny (“Loose Change” reference to all you Andrew Peterson fans) full of laughter and tears and, of course, good music. Andrew sang two new—by “new” I mean so-new-they-are-not-even-on-his-forthcoming-album-new—songs. One he wrote so recently it didn’t even have guitar accompaniment. He just stood there and sang acapella this song about a grocery list he was fulfilling at Walmart at 11:30 at night for baby wipes, bottled water, waffles and milk because of his love and appreciation for his wife, the boss. Funny stuff. He also sang a “kids’ song” about bears that eat you up, very fitting for children. And he wonders why his kids won’t go camping with him. The emotions of the evening ranged from silly laughter to heart-wrenching tears as he shared of Jody, the queen of Iowa, and her impact on his soul. We were blessed to be able to share the evening with him and the Captains Courageous and the rest of the audience.

If you get a chance to see him live, don’t miss it.
You will be blessed.